Sweden Prepares to Transfer Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine

Sweden is preparing to deliver a batch of JAS 39 Gripen C/D multirole fighter jets to Ukraine.

According to the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, the package will include at least several combat aircraft.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is expected to officially announce the decision on May 28 during a press conference at Uppsala Air Base.

Sweden and Ukraine are also expected to launch talks on the possible future sale of the newest Gripen version – the JAS 39 E/F.

The purchase is expected to be financed through European Union loan funds.

At the end of October last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine expects to receive its first Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets as early as 2026.

On October 22, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent, paving the way for a formal contract for the delivery of fighter jets. Ukraine is seeking to purchase between 100 and 150 of the latest JAS 39 Gripen E/F aircraft.

Swedish defense company Saab has already started preparing delivery schedules and reviewing Ukraine’s technical requirements. The company can currently produce 20–30 aircraft per year and plans to further expand production.

Earlier in May, Saab CEO Micael Johansson announced that he expects a deal to supply Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine to be finalized within the next few months.

He emphasized that the final decision depends on political agreements between the two countries. The company is ready to begin fulfilling the contract immediately upon approval.

Last December, Ukraine and Sweden discussed launching training programs for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel to operate Gripen fighter jets. At the same time, Ukraine hopes to localize production of the Swedish combat aircraft starting in 2033.